Bubbles are Fun! Gazillion Bubbles Review + Giveaway

by Kate on July 18th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Gifts, Party Planning, Reviews, Toys

My kids LOVE bubbles and I know they are not alone. Our local park has a bubble machine that is so popular it’s out of bubble solution have the time we visit. There’s another at the gym where my kids take gymnastics – and bubble day is always a hit. I often thought, “How awesome would it be to have a bubble machine at home?” I assumed it was expensive, but I was so wrong! Gazillion Bubbles has a huge variety of bubble toys, including a great bubble machine – and the prices are extremely affordable.

The One and Only Gazillion Bubbles

Funrise has elevated the world of bubbles with The One and Only Gazillion® Bubbles – a line of bubble toys bursting with a one-of-a-kind bubble solution and great bubble blowing accessories. Gazillion Bubbles is a ‘top secret’ solution that enables the bubbles to float higher, longer and reflects light around them.

Every bottle of Gazillion Bubbles solution provides hours of enchanting, colorful bubble play! Kids love blowing Gazillion Bubbles and parents do too since the Eco-Friendly, safe, non-toxic bubble solution doesn’t stain their clothing or the furniture. Gazillion Bubbles is helping the earth live another Gazillion years!

Bubbly Fun

We received two Gazillion bubble toys to use and both would be perfect for birthday party fun – or as a birthday gift: the Gazillion Bubble Machine and Gazillion Bubble Rocket.

The most exciting thing about the Gazillion Bubble Machine is the price tag. At only $15.99, the Bubble Machine creates a blizzard of bubbles – truly way more than I thought possible from such a small machine. The Gazillion Bubbles bottle attaches easily to the side and flows to create continuous bubbles. The Bubble Machine takes a few moments to get bubbles on all of the rotating wands, but once it starts it delivers some serious bubbly fun. Though the pictures show tons of bubbles, I have to say it really doesn’t do it justice. The kids have a blast every time we get out the bubble machine and I like that they chase around a seemingly endless supply of bubbles. The one negative is all those bubbles take lot of bubble solution – so one time playing with the Bubble Machine nearly empties an 8 ounce bottle of bubbles.

The Gazillion Bubble Rocket is a fun feet-on way to create your own bubbles. You fill a tray with bubbles, load the rocket on cover the bottom with bubbles and then STOMP on the launch pad to shoot the rocket into the air. As the rocket goes up, the air creates bubbles. To really get the Rocket to work, I had to stomp on it. My son had fun trying, but he just couldn’t create enough power to really launch the rocket. I think older children would probably enjoy this more than my 3 year old.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just looking to play outside, the Gazillion Bubble Machine is a great way to entertain kids.

Or Not to Buy… The Bubble Rocket was a bit too difficult for my 3.5 year old to do himself, although he did enjoy seeing the bubbles when I launched the rocket. I think this is better for older school age kids.

Shop! You can purchase the Gazillion Bubble Machine for $15.99 and Gazillion Bubble Rocket for $15.89 on Amazon and in Toys R Us stores nationwide. Speaking of Toys R Us, check out The Ultimate Gazillion Bubbles Photo Contest for your chance to win a $1000 Toys R Us gift card! But, act quick – entries are due by July 23!

Win! A Gazillion Bubble Machine and Gazillion Bubble Rocket!

How to Enter: Visit Gazillion Bubbles on Funrise Toys, check out the catalog and tell me another bubble toy you’d like to own.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Disclosure: Giveaway ends August 1. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Gazillion Bubbles for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own.

Play Dress Up with Fancy Pants Kids

by Kate on July 17th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Gifts, Reviews, Toys

Dress up and imaginative play is a vital part of every childhood. As my son’s imagination grows, so does his joy at playing different characters and acting out different stories. As such, quality dress up clothes are a necessary addition to every kid’s closet or toy chest. Fancy Pants Kids recognizes the value in imaginative play and offers well made, high quality dress-up clothes.

About Fancy Pants

Fancy Pants Kids Director and Designer, Gretel Meyer Odell is a mother of two and a 20 year veteran of the Canadian live theatre industry. She saw a place in the market for dress-up products that combined theatrical wisdom, childish fun and a mom’s practicality. All Fancy Pants Kids designs are constructed from materials that can either be machine-washed, or wiped clean with a damp cloth. Each design has simple lines and construction and avoids gender-specificity. Meyer Odell uses fun and easy fasteners so that even the littlest kids can don and doff their own costumes with minimal assistance. Best of all, many of the designs can be easily worn by kids of any size – meaning even parents can join in on the fun!

Play Dragon with the Dragontail

We’ve been playing with the Short Dragontail and matching Pointy Ears Headband for several weeks now. My son absolutely loves this outfit and has insisted on wearing it out of the house on several occasions. Most notably on the Fourth of July when his red, white and blue outfit was accented with Dragontail and Pointy Ears! But, that’s one of the things that’s so great about the costume – it can easily go on over every day clothes, so it’s not a big scene to change into a full up costume.

The Dragontail is 30 inches long and has two arm loops that go over your shoulders. The size of the armholes is very adjustable so even I can be a dragon if my son insists.

Quality Dress Up Clothes

Fancy Pants Kids is designed by the mom of two – and its reflected in the thoughtful design. All the dress up clothes are non-gender specific so they are perfect for boys and girls alike. The characters are general, and not based on commercial characters allowing your child to create a story all his own.  The materials used are high quality, built to last and washable or wipeable so they are easy to clean. In addition to the Dragontail, I love the Classic Supercape and Fleece Crown.

To Buy Or Not to Buy

To Buy… I love the simplicity of the costume making it perfect for easy every day dress up. The high quality material is great and easy to clean. And best of all, my son really loves being a dragon – or dinosaur – or whatever else he believes has a spiky tail and pointy ears!

Or Not to Buy… This isn’t a Halloween-costume costume, and its made of expensive materials making it a bit of an investment.

Shop! All Fancy Pants Kids costumes are available at www.fancypantskids.ca. The Short Dragontail is $48 Canadian. The Dragontail and Pointy Ears set is $67. Keep up with Fancy Pants Kids on Facebook!

Disclosure: Thanks to Fancy Pants Kids for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review.

Wood Toy Boats by Duck Duck Goose Toys Review + Giveaway

by Amy on July 17th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Giveaways, Party Planning, Reviews, Shopping, Toddler, Toys

Every-so-often I come across an item on Etsy that makes me giddy and I just have to one for myself (or rather, for my kids.) This is exactly what happened when I found the wood toy boats from Duck Duck Goose Toys. These sweet, well-crafted boats make not only the perfect ‘just because’ gift, they make fun and unique summertime birthday party favors.

Lauren, owner of Duck Duck Goose Toys says the following about making toys…

I have always liked working with my hands and when when my first daughter was born I began making toys for her. I love making toys because I am creating for my favorite people in the world (my two girls). I try to use natural materials where ever possible and also try to have the toys be somewhat open-ended to encourage imaginative play.

Wood Toy Boat Review

Lauren sent a boat for each of my girls: pink polka dot and yellow polka dot prints. We couldn’t wait to sail these little darlings, and we have access to the perfect little pond to do so.

There are three parts to each boat: The 5″ base made of unfinished pine, a wooden dowel, and a sturdy fabric sail. Just slide the fabric sail onto the dowel, push the dowel into the base, pull the string on the end of the sail through the pre-cut slat on the boat, and you are ready to sail away for hours of fun!

The boats were extremely stable on the water and the sails actually worked to move the boat when the wind picked up. We were delighted to see them move around the pond and take on a life of their own.


To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… At only $10 each, these sweet wooden boats allow your little one to set sail anywhere they can find water: the pond, the pool, even the tub! We have had hours of fun sailing these just about everywhere…even in puddles after a rainstorm. They’re made of solid wood that has been beautifully sanded smooth, and the sails are available in lots of bold, colorful fabrics.

Or Not to Buy… While on it’s adventure in the pond, one of our boats fell over when it ran into a rock. Naturally, the fabric sail got wet and we were unable to sail that boat until it dried. Within an hour in the warm Vermont sun, the sail was dry and it was back on the water, good as new! This isn’t the fault of this well-made wooden toy, just a side-note. Another reason to buy more than one of these little guys!

Shop! A single Wood Toy Boat is priced at $10, but if you buy more (say, for party favors!), you save more. 4 or more boats are priced at just $8.50, and 6 or more boats are just $8 each + a flat rate shipping fee of only $5.

Win! FIVE Wood Toy Boats from Duck Duck Goose Toys!

How to enter: Visit Duck Duck Goose Toys and tell us the colors of sails you would choose if you won the 5 boats.

Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 31. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Duck Duck Goose Toys for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.

TGIF: Coupon, Sales & Discounts

by Kate on July 16th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Deal & News Roundup, Weekly Features

Sales

It’s Gymboree GymBucks redemption time! If you’ve earned Gymbucks, shop now until the 26th. Just don’t forget that you have them like I did! Stock up on jeans for fall – Buy One Pair, Get One 50% off.

Hartstrings Exclusive Online Sale – get an extra 20% off online sale prices while supplies last. Free shipping on orders over $75.

Bugaloo soft soled leather baby shoes – only $12.99 a pair.

Exclusive Discounts

  • Hotels.com Discount: Use the code SHOPPINGMAMA for a 10% discount for bookings on Hotels.com now through July 20 for travel by August 13.
  • The Birthday House: Enter the code MM10 in the notes to seller section for 10% refund after purchase.
  • Zoolu! Save 15% with code TSMROCKS. Expires August 15.
  • The Crazy Dazy: 10% discount off your purchase with code SHOPPINGMAMA.

Private Sale Sites

* Totsy: Sage Creek Organics, Soft Clothing, Amy Kathryn Diaper Bags.

* Zulily: Wonderworld Toys, Rowdy Sprout Clothes, Bobux Shoes, Lunchbox Clothes. Cash Back Tip – click through ShopAtHome.com for 6% rebate on your purchase.

* The Mini Social: Livie + Luca shoes for $26!, Plus Wallcandy Arts, P’kolino, My Blankee, and more to celebrate Nursery Week.

Curious George Birthday Party

by Kate on July 16th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Parties

Here’s a quick peek at the Curious George birthday party Mylene put together for her son’s second birthday.

The awesome homemade Monkey cupcakes were based on this photo from Flickr.

The lucky boy and his party guests got to monkey around in a rented bounce house! So fun!

He also had a Curious George outfit, the guests ate off Curious George plates and table wear and they even played the Curious George Soundtrack.

This party was submitted for the All Things Birthday event. We’d love to share your party, too. (And to say thanks, you get FIVE BONUS Entries into every All Things Birthday giveaway!)

Personalized Gifts from Makaboo: Monogrammed Hoodie Review + Giveaway

by Kate on July 16th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Gifts, Clothes, Giveaways, Reviews

I love anything personalized for little ones! When I receive a personalized gift for my children, if it says their name, or initials, it almost always becomes a favorite item of mine, and theirs. Combine that with the huggable, soft lovies available on Makaboo, plus many other great gifts, and you can find anything you need to send a fantastic gift to a new baby, or a first birthday.

About Makaboo

Makaboo is your source for the web’s cutest personalized baby gifts. Choose from the highest quality personalized newborn, baby and toddler gifts and add a free personalized name. Our brands and gifts include Angel Dear lovies, Angel Dear blankies, Swaddle Designs embroidered blankets, Kissy Kissy clothes and more. For personalized layette, personalized minky blankets, personalized hoodies and more, you’ve come to the right place. At Makaboo, the perfect personalized baby gift is at your fingertips. We carry only the finest quality baby gifts, then we let you add your own very special embroidery – after all, we know your gift is for a very special person!

My Experience

When I saw the list of products available on Makaboo, I really had a hard time choosing one to review, I wanted to try them all! In the end I decided on the Angel Dear Classic Hoodie Jacket. I knew it had to be soft and cuddly, as we have many Angel Dear lovies, and I know they are great quality.  The hoodie certainly did not disappoint.  It is a perfect soft little coat that will be great for my little girl this fall. So it is a little big on her now, but will look adorable in cooler weather.  I was pleased to see that the hoodie arrived in a cellophane bag, tied with a bow, so when sending as a gift you can be assured it will ship to a gift recipient looking as if it was wrapped with care.

Makaboo is Easy to Use

One of the greatest features of this product, is how incredibly easy it was to choose the personalization.  The Makaboo website makes it really simple for you to pick a gift, decide how to personalize it, and most importantly, you can preview the initials in different fonts, locations on the product, and different colors. I had a really good time playing around with different color combinations and different fonts.  So much so, I liked them all and finally decided on one after a lot of playing with the visualizer tool.  If you are a busy mom, but need to get a thoughtful gift sent out, this is a wonderful place to do so. I really want to get my son a new lovey with his initials, but I’m not sure he will part with dear old froggie!

makaboo personalized giftspersonalized hoodie

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… If you are in the market for a new baby gift, definitely stop by Makaboo and take a look.  I am confident you will find something special for a new baby, a birthday gift, or for your own little ones!

Or Not to Buy… I am hard pressed to think of a reason not to buy. I guess I would say if you aren’t into making adorable personalized gifts, then this isn’t for you, but who isn’t??

Shop! Visit Makaboo and checkout all of the different great gifts you can personalize. The Angel Dear hoodie seen in this review retails for $49.99 with free monogramming!

Win! A Personalized Angel Dear Hoodie from Makaboo!

(Perfect for back to school or a fall birthday!)

How to Enter: Visit Makaboo and leave a comment here with your favorite personalized gift.

Bonus Entries - Valid only after completing first mandatory entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Disclosure: Giveaway ends July 30. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Makaboo for providing the giveaway prize and product for review. Opinions here are my own.

Cars Birthday Party

by Kate on July 15th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  All Things Birthday, Birthday Parties

This Cars party is based on the awesome Disney Pixar movie. Amy’s son requested the theme and his mom didn’t disappoint. Party guests were greeted by a giant wall “Happy Birthday” wall covering!

The birthday boy got a fun costume to wear for his big day. The costume, favor treat bags and decorations were from Party City.

The cake with whipped icing was from Wal-Mart.

This party was submitted for the All Things Birthday event. We’d love to share your party, too. (And to say thanks, you get FIVE BONUS Entries into every All Things Birthday giveaway!)

ERGObaby Performance Line is Here! Performance Carrier Review

by Kate on July 15th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Carriers, Gear, Reviews

I am thrilled to be part of the launch of the brand new ERGObaby Performance line of carriers. For years, ERGObaby has been a leader in ergonomic baby carriers and the new collection of carriers is built with the active parent in mind.

ERGObaby Performance

ERGObaby is thrilled to announce the new Performance line of baby carriers! Made of durable, lightweight, and breathable fabric, the ERGObaby Performance carriers are made to accommodate all active moms and dads. The Performance carriers feature a high-performance polyester exterior, ideal for outdoor activities in all climates; a breathable mesh lining, keeping babies and parents cooler and more comfortable; and a CoolMax panel for extra wicking. This sleek, streamlined design offers a smooth, supportive fit for parents and babies of most sizes, and can still be used to carry babies from newborn to toddler on the back, front, and hip positions. Of course, ERGObaby’s Performance line supports the correct ergonomic position for both babies and parents.

ERGObaby Standard vs. Performance – What Makes Performance Different?

  • Lighter weight (1/3 lighter than ERGO Standard Carrier) – This lighter weight fabric, with mesh lining, is ideal for active parents who want to bring baby on the go.
  • Durable, quick-drying outer layer, ideal for outdoor sports and activities – The rugged, quick-drying exterior provides extra protection against the elements.
  • Comfort contouring on shoulder straps - Contoured shoulder straps keep your baby close to your body, eliminating extra strain on your shoulders or back. Non-water-absorbent foam padding provides cushion without bulk.
  • Chest strap on slider for easy adjusting - Easily adjust the chest strap to accommodate your own comfort with the sleek and streamlined slider.
  • Waist belt extends 5” longer than Standard ERGObaby Carrier – Extra length in waist belt provides a better fit for babywearers of all sizes.

Another difference is the optional Cargo Pack that works with Performance line Carriers. The Cargo Pack attaches to the side buckles on either of the Performance Carriers, and features a generous main compartment with a side pocket, and a mesh outside pocket. With a Velcro flap, the Cargo Pack can attach to the carrier’s waist belt when worn in any position. Sold separately.

Our Performance Experience

We’ve had the brand new Spring Green Carrier for a short time, but I am very impressed with it so far. I’ve heard rave reviews of the ERGO for years and this definitely lives up to my expectations. My first impression of the Performance is that it is truly very comfortable – for carrier and baby. The first time I wore it for a walk, my daughter fell asleep and I was completely content and could have walked for another hour (if it wasn’t so blasted hot!). But, testing it in the mid-July Florida heat is a good test of the Performance since one of the main benefits of the new line of carriers is the lighter weight, breathable fabric. The Carrier is quite light and the mesh lining gives it a sporty feel and allows for better air flow.

Anther comfort factor I really like is the wide waist band – definitely the largest support belt of any carrier I’ve used. It helps stabilize the Carrier and distributes baby’s weight. The contoured shoulder straps are nice – they aren’t straight backpack straps, but curved to better fit your body and keep baby close. I love that the chest strap is on a slider so you can easily move it higher or lower on your chest for comfort.

The Carrier can be used with a wide range of babies and toddlers and can be adjusted for different sized parents. It’s suitable for front and back carry, but so far we’ve only used it in the back carry position. I’ve worn my 21 pound 20 month old and my husband has carried our 32 pound 3.5 year old. It’s very easy to adjust the Carrier to fit – there are only a few quick pulls on the shoulder straps and waist belt.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The ERGObaby Performance has all the benefits of the Standard ERGO Carrier with some key features to make it ideal for active, outdoor use. I am most impressed with how easy it is to use, the fact that both my husband and I can comfortably wear it, and the wide waist support band.

Or Not to Buy… The shoulder straps are contoured, which I like, but not as padded as other carriers I’ve used.

Shop! Get the brand new Performance line of Carriers by ERGObaby for $120 at http://www.ergobaby.com/. The Performance is available in Grey and Spring Green.

Disclosure: Thank you to ERGObaby for providing a sample for the purpose of this review. Opinions are my own.
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